Hot or not, there are some things about summer that we just love.
The slower pace. The get-togethers with friends. The Eegee's.
If you're struggling to embrace the season — and we get it; June is SWEATY — we've come up with a few ways you can add some extra fun to your summer.
And here's the cool thing: This is all stuff you can rent.
Pool
A lifeguard signals to a youngster that it is safe to go down the waterslide at Manzanita Pool, one of the busiest of Pima County's nine pools,
Even if you don't have a pool of your own, hosting a pool party is not out of reach. Pima County's Summer Party Zone program will let you have a party or barbecue at three county pools for just $50. That price includes admission for 30 people and the exclusive use of the Party Zone, which has grass and a ramada, for up to three hours. You won't have the pool to yourself, but because the program is offered during public swim, you won't have to pay extra to have lifeguards on duty.
The Party Zone is available Saturday through Thursday, Memorial Day to Labor Day from 1-4 p.m. at these three locations:
- Manzanita Pool, 5110 S. San Joaquin Ave.
- Thad Terry Pool, 7770 N. Shannon Road
- Wade McLean Pool, 12000 W. Emigh Road
Go here and click on Summer Party Zone for more information.
Telescope
Take advantage of the evening hours and go stargazing from your own backyard. You can check out a telescope from the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., or the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive, with your Pima County Public Library card. No joke. You can spot the moon, planets and distant celestial objects with 4.5-inch Orion StarBlast telescope. It's simple and compact and good for beginners.
You can check one out for three weeks.
Go here for more information.
Princess
Brittany Butler, left, and Michelle Richards, right, often appear in story times together at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures as Fairy Caitlin and Commodore Evangeline Winters.
Nothing says summer like hanging out with Moana. And there are several Tucson companies that can make that dream come true.
Packages at More to the Story Entertainment begin at $80 for a 30-minute visit that includes a short story time and a few songs with a character, among other things. You can also order a "singing telegram" — a short visit from a princess or other character to celebrate a special occasion or just because. Those cost $50. Visit moretothestoryentertainment.com for more information.
As You Wish Parties has a one-hour package starting at $99 that includes songs and princess lessons, among other things. Visit asyouwishparties.com for more information.
Sunscreen stations
Choosing a safe but effective sunscreen is becoming a pain in the brain.
Protecting your skin is a big deal during the summer. Because the sun's rays are so intense during the summer, sunscreen is essential. For your next pool party, rent free standing or table-top sunscreen stations from the University of Arizona's Skin Cancer Institute. For $25 the first day and $10 for each additional day, you'll get a large pump bottle of SPF 30 sunscreen and a mirror for application. Email denises@email.arizona.edu if you're interested.
Go here for more information.
Ice cream truck
Dina Corrado, left, collects a scoop of Isabella's Ice Cream for her son Logan, 7. Their friend Boone Lewis waits at right. The ice cream truck was parked recently at the Southern Arizona Rocketry Association's winter launch event.
Isabella's Ice Cream has vintage ice cream trucks that will add a sweet touch to your next get-together. The local shop will cater a customized selection of artisan ice creams and vegan sorbets for $150 and then $3 to $4 per serving.
You can book the truck by emailing kristel@isabellasicecream.com or at isabellasicecream.com.
